BRIGNOLI, Pasquale [Pasqualino] (b San Ferdinando, Naples, ? 1 January 1824; d Everett House, New York, 30 October 1884)

This chapter presents a biography of mid- to late-19th-century vocalist Pasquale Brignoli. In 1863 Pasqualino Brignoli was dubbed 'An Italian nobody who has sprung into an American somebody', when he had already, for some seven years, been the most popular 'Italian tenor' of the American operatic stage. Reports and descriptions of his abilities varied widely – from the beginning of his career to his last days as a 'dear old fellow' who could still make a fist of a song. In consequence, his story has been rather hilariously warped by later biographers (of other people) when he appears as a supporting character. Brignoli turns up in concert in Paris, with such as Mlles Nau, Ugalde and Frezzolini, during June and July, before a notice appears in January 1855 to announce that Signor Brignoli, 'who has sung in London at concerts of the aristocracy and at both Paris operas', is leaving for a brilliant engagement in America.